Army Message Clock M/2

[digi-shots]

Not sure where to post this… I don’t see a sub topic for clocks and not sure if this is Army or Navy.
 

Did the U.S. Navy also use the “Army” message clock?
 

This one belongs to a friend of mine and is marked M. Low, NY (Max Low company). It has a “Chelsea” stamped key with a six digit number stamped on the inside of the wood case (dates to 1950-54 serial range for Chelsea movements).  Have not removed the three screws to check the back of the clock.

 

It is also stenciled on the back of the wood case: KENNEDY M/C    (USS Kennedy??  Not sure what M/C is .. communications?

 

Thanks for the comments!

 

 

[Charlie Flick]

Hi Linda:

 

These were Army clocks.  The Navy had a bunch of similar clocks of various sizes and faces.  Most Naval clocks were made by Chelsea and Seth Thomas.  Most of the M2 clocks that I have encountered have been Chelseas, although I understand that Lowe and Hamilton also made them.

 

The purpose of the Message Center clock was to have a reliable time piece to record the time of incoming and outgoing message traffic, usually radio.  Because these Centers during wartime were often on the move the clocks incorporated their own study carrying case.  See the photo below for one of these Message Center clocks in use.

 

The reference on the back of Kennedy M/C probably means Kennedy Message Center.  Kennedy was likely a place, not a ship.  Maybe Cape Kennedy.  These clocks were in use through the Vietnam war.

 

Hope that helps you.

 

Regards,

Charlie

 

 

[digi-shots]

Hi Charlie,

 

Thanks for the follow up info.  I did some reading and saw that the Navy used the “navy” clocks.. but I was confused with the “Kennedy” stencil thinking it might have something to do with the Joseph Kennedy ship.  
 

Linda